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Research: CARRERO and co-authors,
Listed in Issue 148
Abstract
CARRERO and co-authors, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Granada, and Service of Cardiology, University San Cecilio Hospital, Granada, Spain, have provided further evidence for the benefits of n-3 fatty acids for the cardiovascular system.
Background
Certain nutrients have been shown to be effective in preventing coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a daily intake of low amounts of a number of these nutrients would exert beneficial effects on risk factors and clinical variables in patients that suffered from myocardial infarction and were following a cardiac rehabilitation program.
Methodology
40 male myocardial infarction patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The supplemented group consumed 500 mL/d of a fortified dairy product containing eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, oleic acid, folic acid, and vitamins A, B-6, D, and E. The control group consumed 500 mL/d of semi-skimmed milk with added vitamins A and D. The patients received supervised exercise training, lifestyle and dietary recommendations, and they were instructed to consume the products in addition to their regular diet. Blood extractions and clinical examinations were performed after 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo.
Results
Plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, oleic acid, folic acid, vitamin B-6, and vitamin E increased after supplementation (p < 0.05). Plasma total and LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentrations decreased in the supplemented group (p < 0.05), and plasma total homocysteine decreased in both groups. There were no changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or cardiac electrocardiographic parameters in either group.
Conclusion
Therapeutic lifestyle changes, effected through a rehabilitation program comprising regular exercise and the intake of a combination of dietary nutrients, reduced a variety of risk factors in myocardial infarction patients, which supports the rationale for nutritional programs in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.
References
Carrero JJ et al. Intake of fish oil, oleic acid, folic acid, and vitamins B-6 and E for 1 year decreases plasma C-reactive protein and reduces coronary heart disease risk factors in male patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Journal of Nutrition 137 (2): 384-390, Feb 2007.
